Business Week Booklet 2023

ABOUT BUSINESS WEEK

Since its founding in 1979, Business Week has been the heart of professional development in the College of Business at Illinois State. Business Week is a week-long series of engaging professional development opportunities for students of all ages. It encourages personal interaction between students, alumni, potential employers, and industry leaders. Through this, students foster soft skills essential for success in the professional world.

This week-long series of interactive events include discussions of leadership, business etiquette, effective networking, goal setting, communication, and career management by Illinois State University alumni. We are proud to represent the College of Business, and we are looking forward to celebrating 44 years of helping students develop personally and professionally.

Proof of attendance slips will be provided at the conclusion of:

• Professional Development Dinner - February 20

• Transition Seminars - February 21

• Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion event - February 22

• Keynote Speaker Address - February 23

• Corporate Social Responsibility event - Spring 2023 semester

PRE-BW EVENTS

LET’S GET TRIVIAL A NIGHT OF COB COMPETITION

Aaron Leetch Legacy Club | 6:15pm - 8:00pm

The Business Week team is proud to present its 5th annual Let’s Get Trivial as a kickoff to this year’s Business Week! Trivia Night is a night where staff and students are invited to test their knowledge and let loose before the more professional events of Business Week begin. Teams of five to eight people will answer questions on a variety of topics and compete in various mini games throughout the night. Food will be provided for all participants, so come hungry and be ready to get trivial!

We welcome back our wonderful host, Dr. Terry Noel. Dr. Noel is an Associate Dean for the College of Business and a distinguished professor with a background in improvisation.

As part of “giving back” to the COB community, the Business Week team is utilizing all net proceeds from the event to help fund the COB’s Pay It Forward (PIF) student fund. The PIF fund distributes financial support to COB students in need for professional development purposes. The money in the PIF student funds is generated by donations from COB students that are then matched by COB alum and PIF creator, Ron Whitton.

Casual attire is recommended.

MONDAY FEBRUARY 20

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DINNER

Brown Ballroom - Bone Student Center

Illinois State University | 6:00pm - 8:30pm 5:00pm | Check-in and Networking

The Professional Development Dinner kicks off Business Week with a diverse range of learning opportunities for aspiring student professionals. A multi-course dinner is provided at this event allowing registered attendees the opportunity to practice professional dinner etiquette - an important skill for those planning to enter the workforce.

The dinner is also open to professionals, allowing for networking opportunities for attendees with companies that work with the College of Business. The dinner opens with a networking session followed by an etiquette presentation presented by an etiquette skills speaker (Illinois State University’s very own Dr. Madeline Trimble) and annual keynote speaker.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

MICHAEL ALLEN

Chief Financial Officer

OSF Healthcare System

Michael joined OSF Healthcare System as its Chief Financial Officer in September of 2015. Mr. Allen previously served as Chief Financial Officer for Gundersen Health System based in La Crosse, Wisconsin.

In his tenure with OSF, Michael leads a team of 1,500 finance professionals and oversees all financial operations of the organization with approximately $4B of operating revenue and a $6B balance sheet. Michael is also a voting committee member of OSF Ventures, overseeing the $250 million venture fund. The fund has made 29 investments and ten successful exits over the past seven years with IRR exceeding board expectations.

DINNER

Michael has more than 30 years of experience in business and the healthcare industry, including eight years in public accounting and 26 years serving as a CFO for health systems.

Mr. Allen holds a BS degree in accounting from Illinois State University, an MHA from the University of Minnesota, and is a Certified Public Accountant.

Michael has been a volunteer leader for the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) for over 25 years, finishing a two-year term as the Board Chair for the HFMA’s 64,000 members in 2021. He also chaired the Minnesota Hospital Association finance committee, has served on industry boards and committees, and been a volunteer leader for many community organizations over his career.

Professional business attire is recommended. Cost to attend: $10

TUESDAY FEBRUARY 21

TRANSITION SEMINARS

State Farm Hall of Business - Various Rooms | 6:00 - 8:30pm

5:30pm - Check-in begins 6:00pm - 6:50pm - Session 1 | 7:00pm - 7:50pm - Session 2 8:00pm - 8:45pm - Networking

The transition from college to corporate life can be daunting. However, with well-directed guidance from experienced professionals, students can achieve it. The topics covered in each seminar were chosen to prepare students as they enter their perspective industries. Each seminar is constructed to provide unique insights that students would not otherwise gain. To help ease the transition, distinguished College of Business alumni will be returning to campus to share their experiences. The alumni chosen are masters in their specific fields of expertise and will be providing valuable perspectives.

The Transition Seminars are free; however, registration is required. Students needing proof of attendance slips will be required to attend two seminars. All seminar options will be repeated during the second session, allowing students to participate in several discussions.

Following the Transition Seminars there will be a networking reception in the College of Business Atrium. The reception will provide students the opportunity to speak individually with seminar speakers. Refreshments will also be provided.

Business casual or casual attire is recommended.

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TRANSITION TOPICS

FIRST FIVE YEARS

How to get the Ball Rolling!

Are you ready to leave college and head out into the “real world”? Or are you feeling uncertain about what to do next? Unsure how to adjust to a new job and new environment? Come hear these successful young professionals speak on their first five years postgrad and how they were able to adjust.

FINANCIAL SUCCESS Talking Some Cents

Understanding the art of negotiation and how to manage your money are essential parts of getting ahead in the business world. Not sure how to carry yourself during a negotiation? Uncertain what to do with your money once you have it? Come hear professionals discuss negotiation tips as well as advice on how to budget, financially plan, and invest.

MENTAL

HEALTH

A Healthy Mind is an Asset

Have you ever experienced burnout? Or the feeling of being overwhelmed by your to-do list? Between schoolwork, jobs, and club involvement we are all very busy, and sometimes forget to take some time for ourselves. Come listen to these professionals speak on mental health and on how we can all develop a healthy mind.

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Beyond Profits

Do you want to work for a company that is socially accountable? Or a company that plays a positive role in the community and considers the environmental and social impacts of their business decisions? Not sure how to find that in a company? These successful professionals speak on corporate social responsibility, and why that should be important to us.

TRANSITIONS

INSPIRE EVENT: EQUITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION

Illinois State University | Location: TBD 6:30pm - 8:00pm

SPECIAL OLYMPICS ILLINOIS GLOBAL MESSENGERS

Illinois Special Olympics Illinois State Best Buddies

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion are incredibly important topics to be educated on before entering an ever-changing workforce.

Many companies today continue to declare commitment to integrating all aspects of equity, diversity, and inclusion into their workforce. One topic that isn’t always highlighted is the efforts put towards building an inclusive environment and the hiring of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In this collaborative event, Illinois Special Olympics and Best Buddies will educate attendees on the importance of advocating for people with disabilities to be treated fairly and having access to the same opportunities. Discussion will revolve around how we can create a community of support for everyone.

In this workshop, attendees will learn how to be advocates and raise awareness for people in business, in sports, and even in the community. The workshop will include an educational talk and discussion from Special Olympics Athletes and the Best Buddies

Illinois State University Chapter President. After discussion, attendees can participate or be spectators for a round of fun competition that will help create a better understanding of how we can advocate for those around us. Attendees will be playing bags with both Best Buddies and Special Olympics athletes. Participating together in this low impact sport helps to build relationships and an understanding of one another.

Business casual or casual attire is recommended.

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 23

HALL OF FAME DAY

Caterpillar Auditorium | State Farm Hall of Business | 3:30pm

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Kathleen

Savio

Chief Transformation and People Officer

Zurich Insurance Group

Kathleen currently serves as Zurich Group Chief Transformation and People Officer. She is responsible for delivering Group People strategy and key initiatives, as well as business and cultural transformation for the company, which employs 56,000+ team members worldwide.

As CEO of Zurich North America (ZNA), Chair of the Boards of Zurich American Insurance Company and Zurich Holding Company of America, and Group Executive Committee member, she led the $15B, 8,500-person unit to positive financial results across businesses serving large and middle market customers in the US and Canada. During her tenure, ZNA improved financial, customer and distributor metrics and significantly increased employee net promoter scores.

Kathleen was President of Alternative Markets, providing P&C solutions through a diverse set of operating and distribution models - a direct sales force focused on auto dealers; strong relationships with top program administrators; and market-leading business with group captives. During her five years as President, she led the integration of Rural Community Insurance Services, a top 3 US crop insurer, following Zurich’s acquisition of the business from Wells Fargo.

Previously, she was Chief Administrative Officer for ZNA Commercial, setting strategy and ensuring implementation across several functions including HR, Strategy, Communications, Risk, Audit, Community Investment, and Security. She served as VP of Corporate Marketing and Communications, and in key management positions in Strategic Initiatives, Diversified Products and more.

Kathleen is a board trustee of the Z Zurich Foundation and served as chair in 2016 and 2017. She is the executive sponsor of the Foundation’s social equity focus. Kathleen is a board member of APIW and a member of the International Women’s Forum.

Kathleen was named 2021 APIW Woman of the Year. Risk & Insurance named her a 2018 Insurance Executive to Watch. In 2015, she was recognized as a Business Insurance

Woman to Watch. She was the inaugural chair of the Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation Midwest Division board and was named IICF 2020 Trailblazer of the Year.

Kathleen also served on the Executive Committee of the American Property Casualty Insurance Organization.

Kathleen completed the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School and the Executive Management Program at Northwestern University. She holds master’s and bachelor’s degrees in communication from Illinois State University.

Business casual or casual attire is recommended. No registration is needed to attend this event.

THURSDAY

COLLEGE OF BUSINESS HALL OF FAME DAY

2023

Each year, highly successful individuals are welcomed to campus to be inducted into the College of Business Alumni Hall of Fame. These distinguished individuals range from senior-level executives in top corporations worldwide to highly ambitious entrepreneurs. Their achievements not only attest to their commitment to excellence and add value to our College of Business Programs and the Illinois State University brand for all graduates.

CLASS OF 2023

MIKE FOLTZ ’79

Retired Principal | CI BDF LLC

MAJOR GENERAL RICHARD NEELY ’89

Adjutant General of the State of Illinois CONSTANCE GULLY ’86

President and Chief Executive Officer | Parents as Teachers National Center ANDY WATTS ’91 Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer | Brown & Brown Insurance SERVICE AWARD JULIE DOBSKI ’16 Doctor of Humane Letters

MENTOR/MENTEE CEREMONY

Room 357 - State Farm Hall of Business | 1:00pm

At the end of Business Week over 120 students gather to celebrate the completion of the Business Week Mentor Program. After two months of preparation, meetings between mentors and mentees, and seminars held with COB alums; the participants gather to receive their certificates and salute each other on a job well done. Many mentees become mentors themselves, work in the future as Business Week team members, and make lasting impressions on their peers and the College of Business.

FALL EVENTS 2022

MOVIE TALK: THE HOMESTRETCH

On November 2, 2022, the Business Week team invited everyone for a special showing of the Emmy-winning documentary The Homestretch, which follows three homeless teens as they fight to stay in school, graduate, and build a future, all while facing the trauma of being alone and abandoned at an early age.

During the event, attendees watched the documentary and then participated in a discussion with a panel of professionals and students. The group exchanged views and sought how they themselves could help the homeless. The event was an excellent continuation of the conversation of equity, diversion, and inclusion. The event, which took place in the historic Normal Theater, allowed for the facilitation of a great conversation that made for long-lasting ideas.

FALL EVENTS 2022

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is the initiative to embrace responsibility for a company’s actions and encourage a positive impact on society through activities involving consumers, employees, communities, stakeholders, and the environment. CSR goes beyond what is required by regulators and promotes the betterment of business practices for sustained positive change for consumers, employees, communities, and stakeholders.

Business Week incorporates CSR aspects into its activities each year throughout both semesters with interactive activities and educational opportunities. In the fall semester of 2022, the CSR team coordinated the Synergy Clothing Drive.

The impetus of the drive began with the goal of creating an experience that would directly and positively impact students on the Illinois State University campus in a sustainable way. When looking at the needs within the walls of the College of Business, the CSR team learned that many students do not have access to, or cannot afford, professional clothing. Considering this, the idea for a business attire clothing drive came to life.

As a part of their initiative, Business Week invited university students, faculty, and staff to bring in new or gently used business attire including polo shirts, blouses, suits, blazers, dress pants, dress shoes, or other professional items. In addition, Business Week partnered with State Farm Insurance by collecting items at their corporate offices. The clothing drive ran from November 1 through December 11, 2022. During this time period over 4,500 different items were collected.

Donated items were given to the University Share Shop, a free resource-sharing store within the Office of Sustainability. Students will be able to come in and shop for business attire required for jobs, career and internship fairs, professional events, and more.

The CSR team is currently in talks with professionals to put together a “BW Ted Talks” experience for the spring semester. Look for publicity as plans come together!

THE BUSINESS WEEK MENTOR PROGRAM

Most Fortune 500 companies have an established mentor program, including Google, Caterpillar, and General Electric (GE), to name a few. The Business Week Mentor Program helps students develop the professional skills necessary to succeed in their career paths. At Illinois State University, the College of Business aims to help guide students in the early stages of their careers.

Since its formation in 2011, the Mentor Program has increased prestige. Mentors are selected based on proven academic success and extracurricular involvement, coupled with recommendations from the College of Business faculty. Mentors are dedicated to providing their assigned mentee(s) with the best possible Business Week experience.

Mentor/Mentee pairs get acquainted with one another throughout two pre-Business Week events designed and implemented by the Mentor Program Team. In addition, prior to Business Week, the pairs attend training sessions led by alumni Eric Hoss ’87, MBA ’90, and Tim Pantaleone ’07. To conclude their participation in the program, the pairs attend Business Week events together, using skills developed throughout their mentorship, and close out the week with an Induction Ceremony at the conclusion of all events.

STUDENT MENTORS

JOIN THE TEAM BUSINESS WEEK

If you are serious about building real-world skills, making valuable contacts with alumni and industry leaders, and are ready to create amazing opportunities for your peers, think about applying to be on the 2024 Business Week Team.

The Business Week Team consists of an elite group of students selected through an application and interview process in the spring. Members work in direct partnership with the College of Business Dean’s Office and spend the fall semester brainstorming and organizing a powerful week of interactive events to help students build essential soft skills and professional understandings. A small team also manages the Business Week Mentor Program, where members promote individual and registered student organization involvement, handle registration, run all Business Week events, and analyze the outcomes.

Information about joining the 2024 Business Week Team can be found at Business.IllinoisState.edu/BusinessWeek or in the Dean’s Office on the fourth floor of the State Farm Hall of Business. From first-year students to graduate students, all business majors are welcome to apply for this premier leadership.

REGISTER AT:

If you would like information about being a part of the 2024 Business Week team, contact any 2023 Business Week team member, or complete an application at: Business.IllinoisState.edu/BusinessWeek